Here’s a fun idea: Let’s see if we can all compile a list of 50 ways music can be used to help and better the world at home and abroad. Remember, music has amazing healing benefits and many people can use it to promote health, healing, and peace. When we help others, we also feel better, so the rewards are universal. Once we have finished the list, I will compile it into a master list and publish it so that you can pass it on to your students. Kids love to help, and finding the bridge between music and community service is a great to get kids interested in helping others. I’ll start:
1. Perform at a retirement home.
2. Perform at a Children’s Hospital
3. Perform at a regular hospital.
4. Call your grandmother and sing her a song.
5. Write a song for your parents.
6 Practice with the windows open so that your neighbors walking by will be hit with the beautiful sounds of a live instrument, and a muse in training.
7. Play music in the park
8. Play music for your dogs (they love it!)
9. Design a special iTunes playlist and email it to your sister or brother
10. Teach your baby sister how to drum
11. Host a drum circle at your local park or beach
12. Host a “Peace Song” Songwriting contest
13. Host a Children’s Concert at a VA hospital
14. Perform at Church/Temple/Sangha/etc.
15. Play live music during a yoga class.
16. Perform on a tourist-busy street and collect donations in your instrument case. Give the donations to the Homeless or a different charity of your choice.
17. When a friend is feeling down, singing him or her a funny song.
18. Buy a sick friend a really great CD.
Okay. Now your turn. If everyone on this blog adds just a few things, I think we can get our 50 items.
About the Author
When I was just a college Junior, I started teaching private guitar lessons in order to support myself. I was in a rock band, writing songs and performing on a regular basis, and I certainly did not plan on becoming a teacher. My plan was to graduate, get a job in social work, and just continue writing songs. Teaching surprised me. I ended up falling in love with the act of guiding a student from point a to point b. To watch someone go from knowing nothing about a subject, to simply performing in a recital, is such an awesome thing. I ended up scrapping that social work idea. I was doing more good as a teacher, minus the intense stress that most social workers go home with. I currently have a busy program that teaches private guitar, piano, and voice lessons in Los Angeles homes. I am also the creator of the music and service blog 38 Ways to Change the World Through Music.
by Linda Kay Burk — Tue Jul 28, 2009 @ 9:05 am
by Learn Music Recording — Tue Aug 11, 2009 @ 4:05 am
help make a difference using music
regards
-http://listenforchange.blogspot.com
by ListenForChange — Tue Aug 11, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
by P?nar Aylin Masal Bu — Sun Aug 23, 2009 @ 12:06 pm